Island type refrigerated display case



Nov. 21, 196 J. H. RAINWATER ISLAND TYPE REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1' Filed April 12, 1961 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS} Nov. 21, 1961 J. H. RAINWATER 3,009,333

ISLAND TYPE REFRIGERATEID DISPLAY CASE Filed April 12, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I an un nun 66 n nylgguynmgngggu p ununnunun 27 nun J mm 0% ATTORNEYS Nov. 21, 1961 J. H. RAINWATER ISLAND TYPE REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 12, 1961 I W a m d 4 n H w 0 Z a 4 J 5 3 7 M n 4% t -M w M E a 3 3 (1 0 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS States atent fiice 3,009,333 IS LAND TYPE REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE Julius H. Rainwater, Atlanta, Ga., assignor to The Warren Company, Inc., Atlanta, Ga., a corporation of Georgia Filed Apr. 12, 1961, Ser. No. 102,496 3 Claims. (Cl. 62-256) The present invention relates in general to refrigerated cases, and more particularly to open-top refrigerated display cases of the island type wherein two separate product compartments are provided which extend in side-by-side relation spaced transversely of the display case providing access and display from both sides of the case.

Many of the open-top refrigerated display cases in common use in supermarkets, grocery stores and the like, to preserve frozen foods, meats, dairy products and similar products have been designed to be accessible to the shopper only from one side of the display case. These display cases are usually arranged in long rows of case sections disposed end-to-end, with a row of single-side display case sections being arranged in back-to-back relation with a similar row of single-side display cases fronting on the next adjacent aisle of the store. Obviously, such an arrangement involves great expense, because of the tremendous duplication of single-side display case sections involved.

Island type open-top refrigerated display cases having a pair of transversely spaced product compartments, for example of the type illustrated in my earlier U.S. Patent No. 2,929,227, each substantially corresponding in capacity to the product compartment of a single-sided open-top display case, have experienced wide acceptance in the trade. The present invention relates to improvements in the construction of such island type open-top display cases.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a novel island type open-top refrigerated display case having a pair of transversely spaced product compartments, constructed so as to provide a basic display case structure which can be readily adapted to a wide variety of installation requirements.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a novel island type open-top refrigerated display case having a pair of transversely spaced product compartments, provided with a basic display case structure which can be readily adapted to provide a display case installation with or without a display shelf superstructure and wherein the superstructure shelves, if used, may be of the refrigerated or non-refrigerated type, thereby effecting substantial savings in construction costs and installation time due to the adaptability of the display case to a wide variety of installation conditions.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of an island type, open-top refrigerated display case having a pair of transversely spaced product compartments extending along the opposite sides of the display case, wherein means are provided to permit regulation of the proper amount of refrigerated air to the two product compartments so as to permit the compartments to be used for the same or different types of products having different refrigerated requirements, and to minimize effects of external air drafts on refrigerated air distribution through the display case.

Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the present invention will become apparent from the following detail description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

7 FIGURE 1 is a transverse vertical section view of a refrigerated display case embodying the basic fixture structure of the present invention and arranged for use without canopy shelves;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevation of the display case;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical section view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary transverse section view of a form of the refrigerated display case modified to provide a non-refrigerated shelf canopy superstructure;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary transverse section view of a form of refrigerated display case modified to provide a refrigerated shelf canopy superstructure, taken along the line 5-5 of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary side elevation of a display case having a refrigerated canopy superstructure, with parts broken away to reveal internal structure; and

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the canopy shelf and shelf mounting structure.

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, the open-top, island type display case of the present invention is designated generally by the reference character 10, and includes a basic fixture structure having a pair of end panels 11, 12 between which extend a bottom 13 and a pair of oppositely facing, substan tially identical side walls 14, 15. The bottom 13, end panels 11, 12 and side walls 14, 15 are preferably formed of outer and inner shells 16, 17 usually constructed of sheet metal, between which a body of insulating material 18 is disposed. Inner side panels 19, 20 are spaced inwardly from the inner surfaces of the side walls 14, 15 and extend vertically from about the level of the upper edges 21 of the side walls 14, 15 to a position spaced upwardly from the bottom 13 to define refrigerated air return ducts 22, 23 extending downwardly along the height of the side walls from air intake grilles or openings 24 at their upper ends. The lower ends of the inner side panels 19, 20 are provided with inwardly projecting flanges which support the outer edges of insulated bottom panels 25 adapted to be disposed horizontally above the bottom 13 and divide the interior of the case into a lower refrigeration compartment 26 and a product storage and display zone above the bottom panel 25.

A center divider 27 is formed midway between the side walls 14, 15 to extend longitudinally of the case section between the end panels 11, 12 and vertically from the level of the bottom panels 25 to the top of the basic fixture structure indicated by the line 28 and located above the upper edges 21 of the side walls 14, 15. The center divider 27 divides the product display and storage zone above the bottom panels 25 into two transversely spaced product compartments 29, 30, each of which extends the length of the case section. The center divider 27 is formed of a pair of parallel, laterally spaced, vertical baffle panels 31, 32, for example of sheet metal, between which is disposed an intermediate partition 33 located midway between the panels 31, 32 to divide the space therebetween into two vertical ducts 34, 35 of equal width. These baffle panels 31, 32 defining the sides of the center divider 27 are also flanged at their lower ends to form a supporting ledge for the inner edges of the insulated bottom panels 25.

One or more motor-driven fans 36, preferably disposed to rotate about vertical axes, are disposed below the lower inlet to the ducts 34, 35 in the center divider 27, the region surrounding, and located immediately above the fan blades being surrounded by shroud 37 to confine the air above each fan 36. The fan or fans 36 serve to draw refrigerated air inwardly through the inlet grilles 24 and air-return ducts 22, 23, and thence from the lower zones of the return ducts 22, 23 through cooling coil units 38 to the inlet opening 39 of the shroud 37. The air discharged upwardly by the fan blades is divided equally between the ducts 34-, 35 in the center divider 27 and forced upwardly through the ducts 34, 35. A lower set of discharge grille openings 40 are provided in the baflle panels 31, 32 of the center divider 27 at a level whereby refrigerated air discharged through the grille openings 40 will flow beneath or through the product on display to the air intake grilles 24, and an upper set of discharge grille openings 41 are provided near the top of the center divider 27 to discharge air outwardly onto the product on display at a point above the product. A deflector cap 42 formed at the top of the center divider 27 closes the top of the ducts 34, 35 and has downwardly and outwardly projecting deflector portions 43 which tend to deflect the air discharged through the upper discharge grilles 41 downwardly upon the prodauct on display. Air distributor elements 44 having a series of appropriately spaced and sized holes therein extend across the ducts 34, 35 above the lower discharge grilles 40 to assure longitudinal equal distribution of air along the ducts.

The products to be displayed are supported within the product compartments 29, on adjustable wire racks 45 which may be fitted into any of vertically spaced series of slots in the panels 19, 20, '31 and 32 to locate the products at selected levels where they can be readily reached and withdrawn from the case by the shoppers. The product compartments are quite deep, so that suitable space is provided -for bulky product display when the wire racks 45 are removed. When the wire racks 45 are disposed at elevated positions, a substantial space is available between the wire racks and the insulated bottom panels 25 for deep storage of frozen products.

The basic case structure is provided with a plurality of upright sockets 46 aligned along the center axis of the case spaced longitudinally at suitable locations, for example immediately adjacent the end panels 11, 12 and at four-foot intervals longitudinally of the case. The upright sockets 46 include a vertically disposed bottom tubular portion 47 of rigid construction having a generally rectangular cross-section and providing an upwardly opening bore 48, and a flange base 49 secured to the bottom 13 of the case. These sockets 46 serve to brace the baflie panels 31, 32 of the center divider 27 which are secured to the opposite sides of the tubular portion 47, lending the necessary strength to the baffle panels 31, 32 to support the product racks 45, and also provide means adapting the case to be readily modified to provide a canopy superstructure. The basic case structure is also provided with the usual drain system, indicated generally at 50, to dispose of all water and liquids which might otherwise collect in the case, and may be provided with anti-sweat heaters whenever and wherever condensate might be objectionable, as illustrated at 51, and with heaters 52 for rapid defrost of the cooling coil when a shorter defrost period is desired.

In the operation of this basic display case structure, cooling air is recirculated throughout the display case by means of the fan or fans 36 which draw air in through the inlet grilles 24, air return ducts 22, 23 and cooling coil units 38 in the lower refrigeration compartment 26, and force the air up through the duct 34, of the center divider 27. Some of the cooled air is discharged outwardly through the discharge grille openings beneath or through the product in the compartments 29, '30 and the remainder is distributed evenly by 6 the elements 44 longitudinally of the ducts 34, 35, as the distributor elements 44 create a plenum area below the plane of the elements 44 and pass the air upwardly through the upper portion of the ducts 34, 35 to flow outwardly through the discharge grille openings 41 onto the product on the wire racks 45. The deflector portions 43 of the cap 42 tend to deflect the air discharge through the openings 41 downward, and since cold air is heavy, it will fall and flow into the return air grilles 24.

The basic display case structure is readily adapted to have a non-refrigerated canopy superstructure unit as shown in FIGURE 4, or a refrigerated canopy superstructure as shown in FIGURE 5, assembled therewith, either in the factory or in the field. 'Ihe canopy superstructure unit indicated generally by the reference character 55, comprises a plurality of elongated posts 56 whose outer cross sectional dimensions and configuration conform to the cross sectional dimensions and configuration of the bore 48 of upright sockets 46 in the base structure. The canopy posts 56 are preferably also formed of hollow tubular material and support an elongated canopy top panel 57 at their upper ends having the usual price-tag rails, and an ornamental molding if desired along the sides of the canopy top panel 57. The sides of the canopy posts 56 adjacent the sides 14, 15 of the case are provided with vertically spaced series of slots 58 to support adjustable shelf units 59 extending outwardly in opposite directions in cantilevered fashion from the canopy posts 56. The details of one preferred form of shelf construction are illustrated in FIG- URE 7 wherein the shelf units each comprise generally triangular configurated shelf brackets 60 having bayonet type locking tongues 61 projecting from the base of each triangular bracket 60 to project through the slots 58 and be interlocked with the bounding portions of the canopy posts 56. The shelf brackets 60 are surmounted by sheet metal shelf members 62, and the shelf brackets and shelf members being configurated to provide an upwardly and outwardly inclined foot 63 along the outer edge of each shelf carrying a price tag rail 64.

The above-described shelf canopy superstructure 55 is adequate for a case and refrigerated superstructure assembly. Installation of such a non-refrigerated canopy superstructure on the display case base structure merely involves removal of the deflector cap 42, insertion of the lower portions of the canopy posts 56 into the bores 48 of the upright sockets 56, and substitution of deflector cap sections similar to the deflector cap 42 but of appropriate length to merely seal the upper ends of the ducts 34, 35 in the center divider 27 over the space intervening between adjacent canopy posts.

If the refrigerated shelf canopy superstructure is to be provided on the display case base, the canopy structure will additionally include baffle panels 65, 66 fixed to the opposite sides of the canopy posts 56 adjacent the case sides 14, 15 and extending longitudinally the entire length of the canopy superstructure 55. An intermediate partition 67 forming, in effect, an extension of the intermediate partition 33, is disposed in a vertical plane located midway between the baffle panels 65, 66 to divide the space between the baffle panels into two vertical ducts 68, 69 and air discharge grilles 70 are provided above the shelf locations to discharge air outwardly and over the product zone of the canopy shelves 59. To install such a refrigerated canopy superstructure 55 on the display case base, the deflector cap 42 is removed, and a deflector cap 71 of similar configuration providing outwardly and downwardly projecting defiector portions 72 but being open along the top to allow air to flow from the ducts 34, 35 into the ducts 68, 69 respectively, is substituted. The air discharge grilles 40 should be closed and larger evaporator coils may be installed to compensate for the extra cooling load.

When the refrigerated superstructure is part of the installation, air in the basic case section is circulated in a manner similar to that previously described, but a determined amount of air circulated by the fan 36 regulated by the sizing of the air discharge grilles 41 and closing of the air discharge grilles 40, continues upwardly through the ducts 68 and 69 to be discharged over the shelves 59 on either or both sides of the superstructure depending upon whether both of the air discharge grilles 70 are open or one is closed. This falling cool air tends to blanket or protect the circulation of air in the lower part of the display case in addition to the cooling of the product on the shelves 59 and is returned as required at the air intake grilles 24.

By virtue of the provision of the intermediate partition 33 in the center divider 27, dividing the air discharge flue into two separate upwardly extending ducts 34, 35, regulation of the air discharged by the fan or fans 36 to achieve proper distribution of the air to both sides of the center divider 27 may be achieved. The intermediate partition 33 stops any store drafts which might cause store air to flow through the grille openings 40 and 41 in the center divider 27 upsetting the refrigerated air flow.

The above-described construction provides an island type refrigerated display case having two product compartments 29, 30 of normal single case size built into one structure which gives a massive display and provides more variety in less space than conventional single units. The design simplifies installation and requires less condensing unit horsepower. Because of the unique basic fixture structure, the case can be offered without canopy shelving, or with non-refrigerated canopy shelving wherein the upper shelves are utilized as merchandizers for non-refrigerated products, or with refrigerated canopy shelving. Although the unit will be normally built at the factory with or without the canopy superstructure, the construction of the basic fixture structure makes it possible to readily convert such a unit Without canopy in the field to one with a non-refrigerated canopy superstructure by exchanging the deflector cap 42 for a similar sectionalized deflector cap to provide openings above the socket 46, and inserting the canopy posts 56 in the bores 48 of the sockets 46. Similarly the basic fixture can be readily modified to provide a refrigerated canopy and case assembly by merely substituting for the deflector cap 42 a deflector cap 70 having openings to allow air to flow into the canopy, inserting the posts 56 in the socket bores 48, and making suitable adjustments in the lower air discharge grilles 4t) and the cooling coils, if required.

Also, because of the basic case construction wherein the upright sockets 46 may be disposed at four-foot intervals longitudinally of the case, it is possible to readily adapt the unit to various installation conditions where canopy superstructures of shorter lengths than the basic case may be used. For example, canopy units of fourfoot, eight-foot, or twelve-foot lengths may be used as desired on twelve-foot basic cases, or a twelve-foot basic case may have a refrigerated four-foot canopy in the center and either no canopies or non-refrigerated canopies at the two end sections.

Another particular advantage of this display case construction is that the case may be readily arranged to display two entirely diiferent products on each side requiring difierent refrigeration temperatures. For example, frozen products could be displayed on one side and dairy products on the other, or such combinations as the user may desired. Such a regulation of the air fiow and temperature to provide lower or higher temperatures on one side of the case than the other may be obtained by merely sizing the discharge grille openings 40 and 41 either by providing grilles with openings of adjustable size or by substituting different grille panels of selectively sized openings, so that greater or less quantities of refrigerated air are distributed into one of the produce compartments than to the other. Such a regulation of the distribution of refrigerated air is possible because of the separation of the center divider 27 into two independent ducts 34, 35 from which the air is distributed to the produce compartments.

Although the invention has been described with refer ence to illustrative embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An island type refrigerated display case including a basic display case structure having a bottom and side and end walls defining an upwardly opening space between said walls, bottom panel means dividing said space into a lower refrigeration compartment and an upper product zone each extending substantially the entire length of the display case, air returned duct means adjacent said side walls extending along the length of said side walls having air intake openings adjacent the top of said side walls and communicating with said refrigeration compartment for delivering return air to the latter, vertical center divider means disposed at the medial longitudinal axis of the display case extending the length of the space between said end walls from said bottom panel means at least to substantially the level of the top of said side walls dividing said product zone into a pair of transversely spaced product compartments adjacent and extending along said side walls, said center divider means having vertical sides and a hollow interior therebetween communicating with said refrigeration compartment, said vertical sides having air discharge openings therein adjacent the top thereof, means for circulating refrigerated air in two oppositely directed air circulation loops extending from the center divider means toward the opposite side walls including fan means for drawing air through said air intake openings and air return duct means, and upwardly into said center divider means for discharge laterally through said air discharge openings, air cooling means between the air intake and discharge openings in the path of air circulated by said fan means, an intermediate vertical partition in the hollow interior of said center divider means dividing said interior into two laterally spaced ducts which receive and maintain in two separate channels the air forced upwardly into said center divider means by said fan means for discharge through said air discharge openings whereby the temperatures in the product compartments can be regulated for each product compartment by sizing of the air discharge openings supplying the same, and a shelf canopy superstructure surmounted on said basic display case structure including a plurality of vertical post members spaced longitudinally of the display case having laterally projecting shelves extending in cantilevered relation from the upper portions of said post members, said post members having lower portions extending below said shelves and extending a substantial distance downwardly within said center divider means between the vertical sides thereof, canopy supporting means fixed to said basic display case structure and located within the hollow interior of said center divider means having sockets for removably receiving the lower portions of said post members therein and supporting said post members in vertical alignment with said center divider means, vertical side panels fixed to opposite sides of said post members in transversely spaced relation to said display case defining a closed top hollow interior therebetween communicating with said hollow interior of said center divider means, and an intermediate vertical partition in the hollow interior of said canopy superstructure extending uninterruptedly from the top thereof to the intermediate vertical partition in said center divider means providing two laterally spaced ducts in communication with corresponding ducts in said center divider means, said side panels having air discharge openings therein disposed relative to said shelves to discharge refrigerated air circulated by said fan means outwardly over said canopy shelves to cool products supported thereon.

2. An island type refrigerated display case including a basic display case structure having a bottom and side and end walls defining an upwardly opening space between said walls, bottom panel means dividing said space into a lower refrigeration compartment and an upper product zone each extending substantially the entire length of the display case, air return duct means adjacent said side walls extending along the length of said side walls having air intake openings adjacent the top of said side walls and communicating with said refrigeration compartment for delivering return air to the latter, vertical center divider means disposed at the medial longitudinal axis of the display case extending the length of the space between said end walls from said bottom panel means at least to substantially the level of the top of said side walls dividing said product zone into a pair of transversely spaced product compartments adjacent and extending along said side walls, said center divider means having vertical sides and a hollow interior therebetween communicating with said refrigeration compartment, said vertical sides having air discharge openings therein adjacent the top thereof, air cooling means in said refrigeration compartment in the path of return air drawn through said return air duct means, means for circulating refrigerated air in two oppositely directed air circulation loops extending from the center divider means toward the opposite side walls including fan means for drawing air through said air intake openings and air return duct means, through said air cooling means, and upwardly into said center divider means for discharge laterally through said air discharge openings, an intermediate vertical partition in the hollow interior of said center divider means extending substantially the height thereof dividing said interior into two laterally spaced ducts which receive and maintain in two separate channels the cool air forced upwardly into said center divider means by said fan means for discharge through said air discharge openings whereby the temperatures in the product compartments can be regulated for each product compartment by sizing of the air discharge openings supplying the same, and a plurality of longitudinally spaced, upwardly opening socket members fixed to the bottom of the display case and extending upwardly through said center divider means between the sides thereof to a level adjacent the top thereof having flat opposite sides paralleling the longitudinal axis of the display case, the portions of said socket members lying within the hollow interior of the center partition means having a thickness transverse of the display case corresponding to the transverse width of the hollow interior and the sides of the center divider means being fixed to the flat sides thereof for rigidly bracing said sides, and a shelf canopy superstrucrture surmounted on said basic display case structure including a plurality of vertical post members spaced longitudinally of the display case having laterally projecting shelves extending in cantilevered relation from the upper portions of said post members, said post members having lower portions extending below said shelves and extending a substantial distance downwardly within said center divider means between the vertical sides thereof into telescopically seated relation in said socket members.

3. An island type refrigerated display case including a basic display case structure having a bottom and side and end walls defining an upwardly opening space between said walls, bottom panel means dividing said space into a lower refrigeration compartment and an upper product zone each extending substantially the entire length of the display case, air return duct means adjacent said side walls extending along the length of said side walls having air intake openings adjacent the top of said side walls and communicating with said refrigeration compartment for delivering return air to the latter, vertical center divider means disposed at the medial longitudinal axis of the display case extending the length of the space between said end walls from said bottom panel means at least to substantially the level of the top of said side walls dividing said product zone into a pair of transversely spaced product compartments adjacent and extending along said side walls, said center divider means having vertical sides and a hollow interior therebetween communicating with said refrigeration compartment, said vertical sides having air discharge openings therein adjacent the top thereof, air cooling means in said refrigeration compartment in the path of return air drawn through said return air duct means, means for circulating refrigerated air in two oppositely directed air circulation loops extending from the center divider means toward the opposite side walls including fan means for drawing air through said air intake openings and air return duct means, through said air cooling means, and upwardly into said center divider means for discharge laterally through said air discharge openings, an intermediate vertical partition in the hollow interior of said center divider means extending substantially the height thereof dividing said interior into two laterally spaced ducts which receive and maintain in two separate channals the cool air forced upwardly into said center divider means by said fan means for discharge through said air discharge openings whereby the temperatures in the product compartments can be regulated for each product compartment by sizing of the air discharge openings supplying the same, and a plurality of longitudinally spaced, upwardly opening socket members fixed to the bottom of the display case and extending upwardly through said center divider means between the sides thereof to a level adjacent the top thereof having flat opposite sides paralleling the longitudinal axis of the display case, the portions of said socket members lying within the hollow interior of the center partition means having a thickness transverse of the display case corresponding to the transverse width of the hollow interior and the sides of the center divider means being fixed to the flat sides thereof for rigidly bracing said sides, and a shelf canopy superstructure surmounted on said basic display case structure including a plurality of vertical post members spaced longitudinally of the display case having laterally projecting shelves extending in cantilevered relation from the upper portions of said post members, said post members having lower portions extending below said shelves and extending a substantial distance downwardly within said center divider means between the vertical sides thereof into telescopically seated relation in said socket members, vertical side panels fixed to opposite sides of said post members in transversely spaced relation to said display case defining a closed top hollow interior therebetween communicating with said hollow interior of said center divider means, and an intermediate vertical partition in the hollow interior of said canopy superstructure extending uninterruptedly from the top thereof to the intermediate vertical partition in said center divider means providing two laterally spaced ducts in communication with corresponding ducts in said center divider means, said side panels having air discharge openings therein disposed relative to said shelves to discharge refrigerated air circulated by said fan means outwardly over said canopy shelves to cool products supported thereon.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Wood Mar. 6, 1934 

